Urinary
Tract Infection Guidelines

Urinary
tract infections [UTI] are common and are very painful. UTI are easy to
treat if properly diagnosed. When treated promptly and properly urinary
tract infections are not at all serious.

The key in the treatment of urinary tract infections is the early detection
and immediate treatment. Pain in the lower abdomen, urge to urinate frequently,
and burning sensation at the time if urination is some of the symptoms
of urinary tract infections.

In
order to diagnose and confirm the UTI the physician goes for urine test.
The urine from the suspected person is collected without any contamination
and will be tested for infection by bacteria in the laboratory.

Antibiotics
are generally used for the treatment for bladder infections and other
urinary tract infections. Seven to ten days of antibiotic usage is usually
required. All antibiotics should be taken as prescribed.

The antibiotic
should not discontinued before the full treatment is complete. Symptoms
may disappear as soon as we start antibiotics but if the antibiotics are
discontinued early then the infection may recur.

In general
another urine test may be conducted about a week after the completion
of treatment to make sure that the infection is completely cured.

We must always
wipe from front to back after a bowel movement or urination. We should
wash the skin around the rectum and vagina on daily basis.

We have to
wash before and after sexual intercourse in order to reduce the risk of
UTI. We need to drink plenty of fluids (water). This will help to flush
bacteria out of the urinary system. emptying the bladder as soon as the
urge to urinate happens will decrease the risk of bladder infection or
UTI.

Some physicians
feel that urinating before and after sex as will flush out any bacteria
that may enter the urethra during sexual intercourse.Vitamin C makes the
urine acidic. This helps to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the
urinary tract system.

Females need
to wear only cotton panties which allows moisture to be absorbed . Other
materials may hold moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Cranberry juice offers great help to reduce frequency of bladder infections.

Cranberry
supplements are available over-the-counter. Many women find that cranberry
works very well when an UTI has occurred.

People who
experience frequent urinary tract infections must change sexual positions
that cause less friction on the urethra. Some physicians recommend an
antibiotic which has to be taken immediately following sex for women who
tend to have frequent UTIs.